Related Questions from DMV Answers

• What is required to obtain an abandoned vehicle title?

  Obtaining an abandoned vehicle title for a vehicle left on your property is usually a joint process between the DMV and law enforcement. To find the specific requirements for your state, try contacting your local DMV office. You'll either be given the exact requirements or directed to your local law enforcement agency. Though exact abandoned vehicle requirements vary with each state, they generally all begin with determining if the abandoned vehicle is stolen. Most police agencies will handle the search, based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the vehicle is deemed abandoned, a public notice will be posted, giving the last registered owner anywhere from 30 to 60 days to make a claim (the exact number of days depends on state). If no one responds to the notice, you'll be then given the green light to begin filing car title forms with your DMV. In most instances you will need a notice or form from the police declaring that the vehicle has been officially categorized ...
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• Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?

  Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
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• Where can I locate the motorcycle VIN on my bike?

  Are you looking to buy a used motorcycle? If so, you’ll need to locate the motorcycle vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN number is located in two places on motorcycles, on the engine case and on the frame. Motorcycles from 1970 and later only have a frame tag. Motorcycles made during or after 1981 have a VIN that is made up of 17 characters. Prior to 1981, the motorcycle VIN usually ran 11-17 characters. Modern day VINs consist of 17 characters that do not include the letters I, O, or Q. When buying any used vehicle, especially when buying a used motorcycle, it should be standard procedure to check the history of the vehicle. Previous owners aren’t always forthcoming about a motorcycle’s past. Has it been in an accident? Has it been recalled? Is it stolen or salvaged? VIN numbers are documented in all accident reports, stolen vehicle reports, recall reports, and any records that are available to the public. Or, you could want to provide the VIN number to ...
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• How can I get a copy of vehicle registration?

  Requesting a copy of vehicle registration is usually a simple task. But, you'll need to get your answer from your state's motor vehicle agency as each handles the duplicate vehicle registration procedure differently. This applies to lost, stolen, or damaged registrations. In many cases, you simply need to complete a form and pay a small fee. Visit your state's motor vehicle division site to see how you can obtain a copy of your vehicle registration. Or, stop by the local branch or call the state headquarters.No matter how you obtain your replacement, just be sure to do it promptly, as you are required to keep your vehicle registration in your vehicle at all times.
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• Someone stole my license plates sticker, how do I get another one?

  This varies according to where you live. But, the two most common acceptable ways to replace your license plate sticker are to visit a local motor vehicle branch or send your request in the mail. You will likely have to complete a replacement form (often available online through your state's motor vehicle agency site), and you may have to pay a small fee.If your license plate was stolen, you should report this to your local law enforcement department immediately. If you need replacement plates, your motor vehicle division may require you to submit a copy of the police report before releasing the new plates. Contact your motor vehicle division - or visit its site - to find out how to replace a license plate sticker in your state.Just don't try to drive around town with a missing plate or sticker; you could be pulled over by law enforcement and issued a ticket with a hefty fine.
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